Did he actually have to force GM, anyone know, or did GM just require the paperwork?
The White House had been due to announce the joint venture between the two companies on Wednesday until Trump administration officials baulked at the $1bn bill to taxpayers.
https://www.bbc.com/news/52071611
Earlier Friday, The New York Times reported that GM and Ventec, with which it is partnering to build such supplies, wanted more than $1 billion, including hundreds of millions upfront to GM to retool a car parts plant in Kokomo, Indiana, to make the ventilators.GM said it is donating its resources to produce the ventilators, known as VOCSN, at cost.
Trump orders General Motors to make ventilators under Defense Production Act
He's using a heavy hand.
Donald Trump orders GM to produce ventilators
Here is MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Sec. 2. Presidential Direction to the Secretary of Health and Human Services (Secretary). The Secretary shall use any and all authority available under the Act to require General Motors Company to accept, perform, and prioritize contracts or orders for the number of ventilators that the Secretary determines to be appropriate.